Hannah was certain her words held considerable weight. She also knew her current behavior risked damaging her already fragile standing with the Wells family. However, she wouldn't debase herself.

“I’m not trying to prove my innocence; there’s no need. I know none of you will believe Pamela’s death has nothing to do with me. I simply want to reveal who is responsible. This matter isn't important to me, but it is to you.”

Venus, though silent, betrayed impatience. She had always considered Hannah truthful, kind, and virtuous, wholeheartedly accepting her son's marriage to her. The Wells family, valuing freedom in relationships, rarely interfered with their children's affairs, treating daughters-in-law like their own. Even Janet, whom she disliked, she could tolerate; yet her fondness for Hannah had vanished, replaced by intolerance.

Hannah, noting the shift in Venus's demeanor, continued, “This involves Karen.”

“What do you mean?” Nancy, more cheerful, quickly asked.

“Pamela’s death is connected to Karen,” Hannah stated plainly. “Karen killed Pamela.”

“What are you saying?” Venus exclaimed. “Karen adored Pamela! How could she kill her? Hannah, I like you, and I know you’re upset, but I’ll be angry if you continue fabricating this.”

“I have proof.” Hannah’s calm demeanor contrasted with Venus’s anger.

Venus watched as Hannah turned to a corner of the hall, her voice rising slightly. “Come out, Destiny.”

The maid emerged hesitantly.

“Destiny, tell everyone what happened,” Hannah said gently.

Trembling with fear, Destiny bowed. “It was me. I killed Pamela!”

Shock rippled through the room.

Venus was the first to react, shouting at Destiny, “Why? Pamela was Karen’s favorite pet! Why did you kill her? Didn’t we treat you well? We helped your family financially, and you repay us like this?”

“Madame, I didn’t do it willingly,” Destiny cried. “I know the Wells family has been kind, and I wanted to repay you. Miss Karen told me to kill Pamela.”

“Nonsense!” Robert exploded, unable to accept the accusation against his daughter. He slammed the coffee table, his fury palpable.

Destiny’s face paled.

“Do you know what kind of person Karen is? You’re fired! Get out!” Robert roared.

The others held their breath; they’d never seen him so enraged.

“Mr. Wells, I’m not lying! Miss Karen told me to do it!” Destiny sobbed, but he wouldn’t listen.

No one believed Karen capable of such an act. Janet, seizing the opportunity, sneered, “Hannah, you’ll do anything to clear yourself. You even bribed the maid to lie and now you accuse Karen. You’re more despicable than I thought.”

“Afraid clearing my name would damage your ego? After all, you suffered grievances then,” Hannah retorted.

“Hannah!” Janet trembled with rage.

Ignoring her, Hannah addressed the equally furious Venus, “Mom, I know this is hard to believe. I hesitated to say this, but I felt it would be a disservice not to.”

“What proof do you have?” Venus’s voice was colder, dismissive.

Hannah approached Destiny. “Show the evidence.”

Destiny recounted: “Last night, Miss Karen ordered me to kill Pamela before bed. She didn’t explain why, only that I was to kill it, throw it in the pool, and bring the body to her room the next day. I refused, but she insisted, threatening to fire me. I compromised to keep my job…”

“What evidence?” Janet interrupted coldly.

Destiny, startled and panicked, faltered.

“Though she’s a servant, show her some respect and let her finish,” Hannah said.

Janet fell silent, her face grim. She was mocking my disrespect for the servant, Janet thought.

Janet’s earlier warning to Hannah about Karen hadn’t been out of concern, but a malicious attempt to enjoy her downfall. No ordinary person could stand against Karen.

“Continue, Destiny,” Hannah prompted gently.

Destiny continued: “Even after agreeing, I had doubts. Why would Karen kill Pamela for no reason? It wasn't even a serious offense, just scratching Oscar. I worried she’d pursue me after the deed. It might seem like she acted on impulse last night but I couldn't clear my name later on. So, I went to her room to confirm and recorded our conversation.”